Lakers: 3 reasons why potentially missing the playoffs is a blessing

By Jason Reed | Mar 19, 2022

TORONTO, ON - MARCH 18: LeBron James #6 and Russell Westbrook #0 of the Los Angeles Lakers shake hands during the second half of their NBA game against the Toronto Raptors at Scotiabank Arena on March 18, 2022 in Toronto, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Cole Burston/Getty Images) /

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(Photo by David Berding/Getty Images) /

1. It becomes more likely that Russell Westbrook isn’t a Laker next season

The Lakers have a huge uphill battle to climb when it comes to getting rid of Russell Westbrook, which is undoubtedly going to be the top priority for the franchise this offseason. Westbrook has a $47.1 million player option for the 2022-23 season and it is hard to see him turning down that deal.

The Lakers missing the playoffs does not mean that Westbrook won’t be a Laker next year. However, it does make it more likely that he is on another team, even if that increase in chances is slim.

There is a very slim chance that Westbrook is sick of his time in LA and allows his basketball ego to convince him to opt-out. Westbrook is a confident guy and it would not be the most shocking thing in the world if he opted out thinking he was in line to get a big multi-year deal.

His agents should keep him from doing that but we have seen players make worse decisions that cost them even more money (looking at you, Dennis Schroder).

It also makes it more likely that he will leave as it will give the Lakers that extra sense of urgency. The team is going to try and move him anyway but missing the playoffs would create that extra layer of pressure from both LeBron James and Jeanie Buss for Pelinka to get rid of Westbrook at all costs.

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